Venus willendorf statue

The Venus of Willendorf is an 11 cm Paleolithic figurine carved around 25,000 years ago, discovered in Austria in 1908.

About this subject

The Venus of Willendorf, also known as the Woman of Willendorf, is one of the oldest and most famous figurative representations of humanity. Carved from oolitic limestone, it measures approximately 11.1 cm in height and dates from the Upper Paleolithic period, between 28,000 and 22,000 years ago. It was discovered on August 7, 1908, by archaeologist Josef Szombathy during excavations at a loess site near the village of Willendorf in Lower Austria, along the Danube River. The figurine belongs to the Gravettian or Aurignacian culture and is one of the earliest examples of prehistoric portable art.

The figure depicts a woman with large breasts and abdomen, wide hips, and detailed genitalia, while the arms are thin and folded over the chest, and the head is covered with a pattern of braids or a cap. Early scholars interpreted these features as symbols of fertility or a mother goddess, but modern interpretations suggest that the statuette may represent an idealized female figure or even a self-portrait considering distorted perspective. The navel is natural, but there is no defined face, only a smooth surface.

The Venus of Willendorf is not unique; it is part of a series of Paleolithic female figurines found across Europe, such as the Venus of Lespugue and the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. However, it stands out for its preservation and detail. It is currently housed at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, where it remains on permanent display as an icon of prehistoric art and global archaeology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact age of the Venus of Willendorf?

Radiocarbon dating and stratigraphic analysis indicate that the figurine was carved between 28,000 and 22,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic.

Where was the Venus of Willendorf found?

It was discovered in 1908 at the archaeological site of Willendorf in Lower Austria, near the Danube River.

Why is the figurine called Venus?

The name was given by early archaeologists in reference to the Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus, due to the emphasis on female characteristics, although there is no evidence that it represents a deity.